Andy Loughnane (pronounced “Lock-nane”) has served as President of Austin FC since the formation of the Club in January 2019, and his sports and entertainment background has encompassed leadership and sales roles across three major leagues in North America: MLS, NBA, and NHL. As President of Austin FC, Loughnane oversees all aspects of Austin FC’s business operations including: ticketing; sponsorship; merchandise; food & beverage; marketing; digital/social; broadcast; community impact; and stadium operations.
Under Loughnane’s leadership, Austin FC has enjoyed one of the most successful launches in professional sports history. Austin FC completed construction of Q2 Stadium and St. David’s Performance Center ahead of the Club’s inaugural 2021 season, and Austin FC has since sold-out 100% of its regular season (and playoff) matches played at Q2 Stadium which allows Austin FC to own the longest active sellout streak in MLS. Austin FC has consistently ranked at/near the top of the League in multiple key performance areas across the Club’s first 3 seasons.
Loughnane was named “MLS Executive of the Year” by Major League Soccer in December 2022.
Prior to arriving in Austin, Loughnane served as President of Business Operations for the MLS club in Columbus from 2014 through the completion of the 2018 season. Prior to his tenure in Columbus, Loughnane oversaw all sponsorship and media sales initiatives as VP of Corporate Partnerships for the NBA’s Detroit Pistons from 2012 - 2014. Loughnane previously helped launch a major league franchise as a member of the NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets’ inaugural front office staff. Prior to his role with the Blue Jackets, Loughnane worked for the NHL’s Detroit Red Wings from 1996 – 2000 which included the franchise’s back-to-back Stanley Cup runs in 1996-1997 and 1997-1998.
Loughnane and Austin FC Sporting Director Rodolfo Borrell are responsible for jointly leading Austin FC’s overall operations, with Loughnane managing Business Operations and Borrell managing Soccer Operations.
Loughnane is a graduate of Miami University (OH).